Why the KJV? Introduction. Three Examples: 6

Transcription

1 Introduction Why the KJV? 2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (Or rather we should not be ignorant of his devices.) Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (Satan wants you to question God s word. Is God honest? Does His word stand?) Genesis 3:4-5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (Satan wants you to deny God s word, and he wants to change God s word.) Four truths: 1. We should not be ignorant of Satan s devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11) 2. Satan wants us to question God s word. (Genesis 3:1) 3. Satan wants us to deny God s word. (Genesis 3:4,5) 4. Satan wants to change God s word. (Genesis 3:4,5) 2 Three Examples: 6 2 Timothy 3:16 Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: American Standard Version All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: King James Version

2 John 7:8 9 You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come. New International Version Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. King James Version Mark 16 (NIV) When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb? 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 Don t be alarmed, he said. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you. 8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. [a] [The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have verses 9 20.] 12 Why is it an issue what Bible we use? Just as the examples above show, different versions do affect doctrine. They depict our Lord as being dishonest and in some cases, omit verses. Just a change of one word can alter the entire meaning of a verse. 13 Here are some things R.B. Oullette in A More Sure Word suggests why this is important:

3 1 1. This is a serious issue which affects fundamental doctrine Taking a different position does not necessarily make a man a heretic. 3. There are good people and non-discerning speech on both sides of the debate. 4. Both sides have difficult questions to answer. 5. Both sides have been characterized by intemperate speech Very few people have really studied the issue carefully. 7. There is a great deal of dishonesty on this issue. 8. Taking an extreme position on either side is dangerous. 9. It is not always necessary to separate with a brother over his 16 position on King James Version. At the end of this study we must come to the conclusion, by faith God has delivered to us, His inerrant and infallible word and that He has preserved it for English speaking people. 2 Our position on preservation must be a faith-based approach. R.B. Oullette Section 1 Bibliology Bibliology organized study of the facts about the Bible s indisputable origin, necessity, and authenticity Five Pillars of Bibliology: Revelation Inspiration Canonization Illumination Preservation 1 Pg 19 Oullette, R.B. A More Sure Word. Lancaster: Striving Together Publications, Pg 51 Oullette, R.B. A More Sure Word. Lancaster: Striving Together Publications, 2008.

4 Each of these terms are vitally important to Bibliology and must be defined accurately. Additional terms such as Inerrant and Infallible need also be defined for our study of the Bible. 19 We often say God s word is Inerrant and Infallible, what does that mean? Defined: Inerrant - Not used until 1837, comes from 2 Latin words In Not Errant Erring 20 Not-Erring or Fixed, (incapable of being wrong). In other words, inerrant means recorded accurately. Note: Not just free from errors, but incapable of being wrong. Infallible 3 Not capable of erring, but also not liable to fail, as infallible evidence, infallible success, in other words absolute truth. 21 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: Acts 1:3 3 Webster s 1828 Dictionary

5 Pillar I Revelation 22 What is Revelation? Defined: Revelation is the act of God whereby He communicates truth to mankind that was previously unknown and otherwise unknowable. 23 Two kinds of revelation: General (Creation, Conscience: Romans 1: 18-21) Special (Specific) God s word (in part), Jesus Christ With this definition, is all of the Bible revelation? 24 What are some examples in the scriptures of revelation? Genesis 1:1 Isaiah 6 Job 1: 6-12, 2: 1-7 Revelation 1: Did God reveal His truth to men in English? No. He preserved His truth through languages.

6 Pillar II Inspiration 26 What is inspiration? Defined: Inspiration the act of God whereby He records His truth for mankind. 27 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16 Note: All of God s word (Scripture) was given by? Inspiration. Theopneustos God-Breathed; or according to Strong s divinely breathed in Scripture Document or Holy writ. Written down. 28 How exactly did this take place? 29

7 Five Theories: Natural inspiration There is no supernatural element. The Bible was written by great men, who often erred. 30 Partial inspiration The Bible contains God s words but must be sorted out ( demythologized ) to find them. Other parts are purely human and may be in error. Conceptual inspiration The thoughts of scripture are inspired but the actual words used are not. There is factual and scientific error. 31 Dictation theory of inspiration The writers passively recorded God s words without any participation of their own styles or personalities. Verbal, plenary inspiration All the actual words of the Bible are inspired and without error. This fits the Bible s description of inspiration. Plenary - All scripture is equally inspired (2 Timothy 3:16) Genealogical records, historical narratives and salvation verses are equally inspired and true, even though they may not be equally pertinent to our lives. 2 Samuel 23:2 Psalm 12: 6,7 Proverbs 30:5 Jeremiah 2:1-2 Matthew 4:4 Luke 24:44 All of these above scriptures, which are just a handful focus on how important words are to God How did this come to pass? One of God s miraculous works! Remember we are not talking about the KJV yet, just the originals (Autographs).

8 What is the human element in scripture? It was written in at least three different languages. (Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic) It was written by at least 40 different men. It reflects different literary styles. It shows human interest. (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) It utilizes human memory. It incorporated human culture. It speaks from a human observer s perspective. It gives different angles of the same events. It speaks of God from our perspective. (Anthropomorphisms) We could say it this way, The Bible is unlike any other book, it is God- Breathed, Man-Penned Are there examples of Revelation in the Bible that s not inspired? 2 Corinthians 12: 2-4 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot 41 tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Revelation 10:4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I 42 was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. Are there examples of Inspiration without Revelation? 43

9 Of course, David knew his father s name without having to look at the genealogical records recorded. 44 How do we know all of this is credible? Archaeology The Unity of the Bible The Representation of God Fulfilled Prophecy The Testimony of Christ The Testimony of Changed Lives Pillar III Canonization What is Canonization? Root word is Greek Kanon as found in Galatians 6:16 and Philippians 3: And as many as walk according to this rule [kanon], peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Galatians 6:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule[kanon], let us mind the same thing. Philippians 3:16

10 Pictorially, the word canon refers to a measuring rod. (Canonization) In theology, the word refers to the group of books that have been recognized as authoritatively God s Word by meeting the criteria (canons) that have been established. 4 The Old Testament Canonization Two Part Process Writings of Moses and writings after Moses. The first five book have been referred to by four different names: The Law, The Law of Moses, The Pentateuch, and the Torah. 1. These books were directed by God to be written And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. Exodus 17:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel. Exodus 34:27 And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. Exodus 24:4 And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the LORD: and these are their journeys according to their goings out. Numbers 33:2 Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel. Deuteronomy 31:22 4 Stewart, Don. How was the Old Testament Canon of Scripture put together? n.d. 15 August <

11 2. They were in book form. 56 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. Exodus 24:7 3. They were to be preserved. And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: Deuteronomy 17:18 And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel Deuteronomy 31:9 4. They were to be obeyed. 57 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8 5. They were validated as authoritative And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: 1 Kings 2:3 But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses 2 King 14:6a

12 6. Captivity was based on not following the book of the law (covenant) 58 Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. 2 Kings 17:13 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. Daniel 9:11 7. Joshua continued the writings. 59 And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD. Joshua 24:26 8. Samuel wrote. Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. 1 Samuel 10:25 For Sake of time here are more references to writing the other books: 60 2 Chronicles 20:34 References the book of the Kings of Israel (1 and 2 Kings) Isaiah 8:1 References words on a scroll. (Isaiah) Isaiah 30:8 References words to be preserved for a memorial (Isaiah) Ezekiel 43:11 References the Lord commanding Ezekiel to write (Ezekiel) Isaiah 34:16 References the book of the Lord Daniel 9:2 References the books (Old Testament writings up until that point) Jeremiah 26: 17,18,20 Reference earlier prophets Zechariah 7:7 References the former prophets

13 Each book would have been recognized individually as the came on the scene of History, some law, some historical, some prophetical, some poetical. Thus, we have: 61 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Luke 24:44 Most scholars believe that the Old Testament canon was collected by 62 Ezra who was a ready scribe. As Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther were historically the last books written during the prophetic times of Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. Their writings would conclude the Old Testament. New Testament Canonization But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 1 Timothy 3: Canonicity (rules) of the New Testament Apostolicity someone closely related to or associated with an apostle. (This would limit to the 1 st Century) 2. Catholicity generally and universally accepted by all local NT churches. 3. Consistency lines up with scripture. 4. Authority authoritative in manner. Thus saith the Lord versus to quote Polycarp ( AD) And Paul said, And John said

14 5 Progress from time of the Apostles till 170 AD 67 By the end of the 1 st Century all writings were in circulation. This is evident because of no mention of the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. John s writings understood to be the latest. Early church fathers attested to those writings in circulation: Polycarp (~110 AD) - writes to the Philippians, "I have received letters 68 from you and from Ignatius. You recommend me to send on yours to Syria; I shall do so either personally or by some other means. In return I send you the letter of Ignatius as well as others which I have in my hands and for which you made request. I add them to the present one; they will serve to edify your faith and perseverance" In a separate letter The Epistle to Polycarp makes large use of Philippians, and besides this cites nine of the other Pauline epistles. 70 Clement of Rome (~95 AD) - wrote a letter in the name of the 71 Christians of Rome to those in Corinth. In this letter, Clement uses material found in Matthew and Luke. He had been much influenced by the Epistle to the Hebrews. He knows the book of Romans and Corinthians. There are found in the letter also echoes of 1 Timothy, Titus, 1 Peter and Ephesians. Ignatius (~115 AD) - The Epistles of Ignatius have correspondences with 73 our gospels in several places and incorporate language from nearly all of the Pauline epistles. Ignatius in another letter quotes from Matthew and also from 1 Peter and 1 John. Justin Martyr (~100 AD 165 AD) Died in 165 AD as a martyr thus the 74 name Martyr. Could be considered the first Christian Apologist. In his two apologies as well as the writing Dialogue with Trypho he mentions "Memoirs of the Apostles called Gospels". He states these Gospels were read on 5 Orr, James. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Grand Rapids: W.B. Eerdmans, 1979.

15 Sunday interchangeably with the prophets. We see equivalency given 74 to the Gospel with the Old Testament. In speaking of the Gospels, he says "By the power of God they proclaimed to every race of men that they were sent by Christ to teach to all the Word of God." Progress from 170 AD to 220 AD 77 At this point local New Testament Churches have all formulated a canon of scripture for the New Testament. The only question remains to what extent? Irenaeus ~130AD 202AD (Bishop of Lyons) As a pupil of Polycarp, 78 who was a disciple of John, he is connected with the apostles themselves. He holds to the four Gospels, Paul s epistles and Acts as authoritatively scripture and equal with the Old Testament. He makes more than 200 citations in his writings from the Pauline epistles. Clement of Alexandria ~150 AD 215 AD was a Christian theologian who taught in Alexandra. Clement quotes all four gospels as "Scripture." The canon of the New Testament was referred to at this time as The Gospels and the Apostles much like the Old Testament was referred to as The Law and the Prophets. The Muratorian Fragment - named such by the discoverer in Dates around the end of the 2 nd Century and gives a list of New Testament books. This list includes Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the Acts, the Pauline epistles, the Apocalypse (Revelation), 1 and 2 John and Jude. Three Regions of Local NT churches: 1. Western (Rome) 2. Eastern (Alexandria) 3. Syrian (Antioch)

16 Final progress 3 rd and 4 th Centuries Origen, Dionysius, Cyprian, Eusebius All attest to various books of the NT Athanasius ~ AD in his pastoral letter gives a list of book comprising scripture which includes all 27 books we now recognize as 80 scripture. "These are the wells of salvation," he writes, "so that he who thirsts may be satisfied with the sayings in these. Let no one add to these. Let nothing be taken away." Developing Canon as seen in councils: Synod of Laodicea 363 AD Forbad the reading of any books that were non-canonical 2. Athanasius 367 AD First to list the 27 books formally. 3. Synod of Hippo 393 AD Confirmed the 27 books Synod of Carthage 397 AD Only the NT to be read in local churches. 5. Council of Carthage 419 AD Reaffirmed the Canon. Pillar IV Illumination 83 What is illumination? Is illumination a biblical doctrine?

17 Yes, consider the following verses: Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. 84 Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. In illumination, we have the allusion to light. The word light takes on 85 significant meaning both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. Perhaps, light does not mean a lot to you and I today because of the availability of temporal light that we have around us. But light, when it is a limited resource is highly valued for safety, particularly in navigation at night. Think about having no light, can you read? Can you see where you are going? Can you discern objects, places, or people? Can you avoid danger? The ultimate illumination example is in Jesus Christ: He is called the Light John 1:8 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. In salvation, the Holy Spirit draws men to illuminate their spiritual condition in relation to God. He also, illuminates the truth of their need for the Savior, bringing them to the foot of the cross. (John 16:8) 1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God

18 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer is illumination John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth 93 in you [Holy Spirit], and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things [illumination], and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. Defined: Illumination is that point in which the Holy Spirit helps man to understand and apply the truths of God s word to his own personal walk. 94 Is illumination the same as revelation? 95 No. Revelation is when God communicates something previously unknown and otherwise unknowable. Illumination is when God, through the Holy Spirit, allows man to understand that which has been revealed (Revelation) and recorded (Inspiration). 96

19 Pillar V Preservation During Biblical times 97 What is preservation? Example: Some time ago Shannon and I had an opportunity to witness to our neighbors as we lived on Fort Eustis. The neighbors through our discovery were both religiously minded. One was a devout catholic, the other a free thinker, perhaps ecumenical in his thinking, but professed enlightenment was the way of salvation. Much to my dismay upon talking to the ecumenical husband, who likened Jesus to Buddha, He informed me what we have as a Bible today is a watered down and altered, full of men s traditions. In other words, he was implying that God s word has not been preserved. Defined: Preservation Truth extended from one generation to the next. 98 As we will see later on, translation will play a part in preservation. Does God promise to preserve His word? Psalm 12: 6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. Psalm 105:8 He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. (Most scholars would agree that 1000 generations intimates forever) Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven

20 Pslam 119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. Psalm 110:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. 102 Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Jesus being God in the flesh with this statement assures us His word is preserved.) 1 Peter 1:23-25 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 103 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (indirect quotation of Isaiah 40) 104 Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. (Jesus validated that the scriptures had been preserved and referred to them more than just this occasion.) 6 Each time a New Testament writer quotes from the Old Testament, he is demonstrating that God has been able to preserve His Word. Please note that the Bible does not say the I will preserve my word in the King James Bible. The Bible says, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away Pg. 33 Oullette, R.B. A More Sure Word. Lancaster: Striving Together Publications, 2008.

21 Some would say, revelation is an important doctrine, some would say inspiration is an important doctrine, but fail to realize the great importance of preservation. 109 So, if God has promised to preserve His word, how did he do it? We will 110 look again the two-major division of the Bible, the Old Testament Preservation and New Testament Preservation. From there we will begin Section II History of Preservation which will take us too the 21 st century. Old Testament Preservation 111 In the Old Testament, we are taught that God s word was preserved through a trifold method: 1. Priests: 112 Deuteronomy 31: 25,26 That Moses commanded the Levites, which 113 bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee. Deuteronomy 17:18 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: 2 Kings 22:8 And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 7 Once written, the inspired originals, or autographs (as they are called), were most carefully preserved. Moses scroll, for example, was committed to the priests who deposited it near the sacred ark Pg. 4. Watts, Malcolm H. The Lord Gave The Word. London: Trinitarian Bible Society, 1998.

22 The priests furthermore set out in each city as instructors of the law in the cities of Judah: Chronicles 17: 8,9 And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. 2. Kings: 118 Deuteronomy 17:18 (Above Quoted) 2 Chronicles 23:11 Then they brought out the king's son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king. 3. Fathers: Deuteronomy 6: 6-9 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy 121 children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be 122 as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. The Scribes Scribes as they are called in the Hebrew sopherim from the word saphar which means to write assumed the duties of creating apographs (copies). 8 Pg. 7 Watts, Malcolm H. The Lord Gave The Word. London: Trinitarian Bible Society, 1998.

23 Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain. Ezra 7:11 Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel. Later on, we find because of the captivity the development of synagogues and by necessity copies of God s word distributed to the spread out Jewish nation The Massoretes Lastly, we have the preservation of the Old Testament by a group called the Massoretes. According to Malcomn Watts: 9 Some believe they can be traced back to the first century AD. Others date their beginnings later, to somewhere around 500 AD. Whichever is correct, the Massoretes achievement is what really matters The Massoretes had one objective and that was the preservation of the Old Testament. They wanted to keep it from any type of alterations. The Jews refer to their work as The Fence of the Law. 129 The introduced several strict rules to accomplish this goal: 1. They introduced Vowel Points (similar to accent marks) 2. They introduced Fixed Accents (for standard pronouciations) 3. They introduced Word Explanations (where ambiguity existed) 4. They supplied Marginal Readings (where ambiguity existed) Pg. 10 Watts, Malcolm H. The Lord Gave The Word. London: Trinitarian Bible Society, Pg. 10 Watts, Malcolm H. The Lord Gave The Word. London: Trinitarian Bible Society, 1998.

24 5. They marked intended Pauses They were so meticulous that they even counted the number of times each letter was used in the Old Testament. 132 Aleph occurs 42,377 times; Beth occurs 38,218 times; Gimel occurs 29,537 times etc Rules for copyists were as follows: 1. Only skins of clean animals were to be used. 2. Each skin must contain the same number of columns. 3. There would be no less than 48 and no more than 60 lines. 4. Black ink had to be prepared by a certain recipe. 5. No word or letter could be written by memory. 6. If so much as one letter was omitted, on letter touched another, or wrongly inserted the sheet had to be destroyed. 7. Three mistakes on one page meant the whole manuscript had to be destroyed. 8. Any revision had to take place within 30 days or it was destroyed. This kind of scrutiny tells us that they took a very high view of God s word and secondly went to the greatest lengths possible to make sure it was preserved. Of course, 11 the King James Version comes from the Ben Chayyim Text, which is in the line of the Hebrew Massoretic Text New Testament Preservation Book by Book internal evidences 139 Two things to look at, the author and the audience. Matthew Author Matthew (Levi) ~ AD, Audience Jews, Place of writing Jerusalem or Antioch of Syria Pg. 10 Watts, Malcolm H. The Lord Gave The Word. London: Trinitarian Bible Society, 1998.

25 Mark Author John Mark ~ 68 AD, Audience Romans Antioch of Syria or Rome Luke Author Luke ~ 60 AD, Audience Greeks Rome John Author John ~85 AD, Audience All Men Ephesus Acts Author Luke ~ AD, Audience Theophilus Lover of God Rome Romans Author Paul ~ 56 AD, Audience to all that be in Rome Corinth (3 rd Missionary Journey) 1 Corinthians Author Paul ~ 55 AD, Audience the church of God which is at Corinth Ephesus (3 rd Missionary Journey) 2 Corinthians Author Paul ~57 AD, Audience the church of God which is at Corinth Macedonia (2 Corinthians 7:5) Galatians Author Paul ~48 AD, Audience unto the churches of Galatia:... Antioch of Syria (After 1 st Missionary Journey) Ephesians Author Paul ~59-61 AD, Audience he saints which are at Ephesus Rome (Paul was under house) Philippians Author Paul ~61-63 AD, Audience to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi Rome Colossians Author Paul ~60 AD, Audience To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse Rome 1 Thessalonians Author Paul ~52 AD, Audience unto the church of the Thessalonians Corinth 2 Thessalonians Author Paul ~(late)52 AD, Audience unto the church of the Thessalonians Corinth 1 Timothy Author Paul ~(late)50 AD, Audience Timothy Macedonia

26 2 Timothy Author Paul ~62-63 AD, Audience Timothy Rome Titus Author Paul ~62 AD, Audience Titus Macedonia Philemon Author Paul ~61-62 AD, Audience Philemon and the church in his house Rome Hebrews Author Unknown ~Unknown, Audience Italy(Rome?) James Author James (Brother of Jesus) ~ AD, Audience 12 Tribes scattered abroad Jerusalem 1 Peter Author Peter ~ 64AD, Audience Strangers that are scattered Babylon 2 Peter Author Peter ~67AD, Audience to them that have obtained like precious faith Rome 1 John Author John ~85-90AD, Audience My little children Ephesus 2 John Author John ~90AD, Audience unto the elect lady and her children Ephesus 3 John - Author John ~90AD, Audience Gaius Ephesus Jude Author Jude ~ 67-68AD, Audience Jewish Churches in Asia Minor Asia Minor Revelation Author John ~ 95AD, Audience The seven churches in Asia Isle of Patmos Two questions to answer, where did most of these letters get written from, and where were they written to?

27 Also, we see internal evidences of distribution: 141 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; Revelation 1:4 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Galatians 1:2 142 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. Colossians 4:1

28 143 Author Date Written Earliest Copy Approx.Time Span between original & copy Number of Copies Accuracy of Copies Lucretius Pliny Plato Demosthenes Herodotus Suetonius Thucydides Euripides died 55 or 53 B.C. A.D B.C. 4th Cent. B.C B.C. A.D B.C B.C. Aristophanes B.C. Caesar Livy Tacitus Aristotle Sophocles Homer (Iliad) New Testament B.C. 59 BC-AD 17 circa A.D B.C B.C yrs A.D yrs A.D yrs A.D yrs A.D yrs A.D yrs A.D yrs A.D yrs A.D A.D ??? A.D yrs A.D A.D yrs B.C. 400 B.C. 500 yrs % 1st Cent. A.D. (A.D ) 2nd Cent. A.D. (c. A.D. 130 f.) less than 100 years %

29 As you can see, there are thousands more New Testament Greek manuscripts than any other ancient writing. The internal consistency of the New Testament documents is about 99.5% textually pure. That is an amazing accuracy. In addition, there are over 19,000 copies in the Syriac, Latin, Coptic, and Aramaic languages. The total supporting New Testament manuscript base is over 24, Early 1 st through 4 th Century Citations from New Testament Writer Gospels Acts Pauline Epistles General Epistles Revelation Totals Justin Martyr (266 Allusions) Irenaeus 1, ,819 Clement (Alex.) 1, , ,406 Origen 9, , ,922 Tertullian 3, , ,258 Hippolytus ,378 Eusebius 3, , ,176 Grand Totals 19,368 1,352 14, ,286